The city was named after Robert Burnaby (1828-1878). In 1892, it was incorporated as a municipality, and in 1992, it officially became a city. It was once considered Vancouver's backyard, but has come to be important, due in part to the Metrotown town centre, Brentwood Mall, and Simon Fraser University. The current mayor is Derek Corrigan.

Burnaby's elevation ranges from sea level to 365m, at the top of Burnaby Mountain. A large part of the city was been developed over ravines, with a major section, known as the Big Bend, comprised largely of farmland is on alluvial plain.